by Ali Parker
Chase
I was pouting. I knew it and I didn’t give a shit. I didn’t have the energy to drag my ass downstairs to work. I ordered room service for dinner and then again for breakfast this morning.
My phone had been ringing pretty much nonstop since I closed myself up in the suite yesterday. I was pissed at myself for not being straight with her from the very beginning. If I would have talked to her instead of fucking her, I would not be sitting by myself alone.
My eyes drifted over to the end of the sofa where the teddy bear I won for her was sitting. I took it from her room when I stomped out. That was the last time I left my suite. I did take the time to shower this morning but that was it. I did nothing else but sulk.
Fortunately, everyone figured out I didn’t want to be bothered and quit knocking on my damn door. Someone, I assumed Cori, was probably suffering from some bruised knuckles after all the pounding last night. I reminded her of the many times she locked herself in the bathroom or her bedroom.
I wanted to be alone. I didn’t want to hear stupid platitudes or the obligatory apologies. Then again, few people knew why I was really having a pity party. I was tempted to take my ass back to the cabin and hole up for a few days.
I walked back into the bedroom and flopped onto the bed. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. I didn’t want to be awake and thinking about her. I didn’t want to think about the fact I might never see her again unless it was in passing. That was not what I wanted. I wanted her back in my life like she should have been from the very beginning.
I managed to fall asleep and woke up feeling worse than I had when I went to bed. I went back to the couch and grabbed the remote. I flipped through the channels, praying I could find something mindless to entertain me. I found some car restoration show and got lost in it.
It wasn’t long before I heard the door handle turning. I frowned, turning around to look at the door as it slowly opened. I wasn’t worried I was being robbed. We had great security, which meant it was some do-gooder coming in to cheer me up. I wasn’t interested in being cheered up.
“Go away,” I called.
“Not a chance in hell,” Cori said. She walked in and stared at me.
I ignored her. “Where did you get a key?”
“I’m resourceful.”
“I’m going to fire whoever gave it to you.”
“No, you aren’t. What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Nothing.”
“Chase, you need to get your ass up now. Quit being a little bitch. You are in here sulking.”
“Fuck you.”
I focused on the TV and ignored her. She took her sweet time walking in front of me before picking up the bear and my legs that were stretched out on the couch and tossing them on the floor.
“Hey,” I protested.
“I know you went running after Harper,” she accused.
“So?”
“You only found out where she was because you bullied your assistant into telling you where she was. That wasn’t cool at all. You caused a hell of a fight and they almost broke up. You nearly torpedoed their relationship for no good reason. I’m going to assume things did not go well, which is why you are pouting in here.”
I scoffed, rolling my eyes and sitting up. “That’s an understatement.”
“I heard she is gone for good.”
“Thanks for that. Here I was thinking she would come running back any second.”
She reached out and patted my knee. “What happened? I went looking for you and heard you were gone. You left me alone on Christmas.”
“I thought you took the jet back to Malibu.”
She shrugged it off. “No, I stayed here.”
“I’m sorry you were alone.”
She looked away. “What happened?” she asked again. “All I know is she ran, you chased, and you didn’t come back for almost two days.”
“I showed up at the cabin, chased there by a snowstorm that turned into a blizzard. The power went out and we were snowed in. We talked, and I thought we worked things out. It was truly the best Christmas I’ve ever had. There weren’t any gifts or anything like that, but it was nice just to be with her without any distractions. Things were very good. The following day, I drove us here. She said she had to get something out of her car and left. She just… left.”
She slowly nodded. “Did you tell her you were sorry about the review?”
“What review?”
She frowned at me. “The little writeup Angela wrote?”
I groaned, slapping a hand over my face. “You know about that?”
“Oh, I know about that,” she snapped. “I’ve already given her a piece of my mind and now I’m going to give you another piece.”
“How did you read it?”
“She forwarded it to me. She was very proud of it. I was not. Did you apologize?”
“Kind of.”
“You idiot. No wonder she fled.”
“I explained the reasoning for the article,” I told her. “I suppose Parker has seen it as well.”
“Yes. We’ve all read it.”
“Fuck. Is it really that bad?”
“Chase, you told everyone you were in love! You insinuated you guys were getting married and on your way to begetting your heir.”
I didn’t think it sounded quite like that. “It wasn’t that bad.”
“Yes, it was. You were just making some headway with her. She was starting to warm up to you and you trapped her in your little fantasy. She wasn’t even telling anyone that you guys were hooking up and you went and married her and impregnated her without bothering to check with her.”
“It really wasn’t that bad.”
“You did that thing you do,” she accused. “You made a decision that you decided was best for her. You do that. You do it with me all the time. It’s very sweet that you try and take care of everything, but sometimes, people need to think for themselves. It was high-handed and really unfair.”
“It wasn’t like that,” I groaned. I felt so misunderstood.
“Chase, unless you have a really good reason, you have to admit you screwed this up.”
“I did have a good reason. At least, in my head I did. I guess it didn’t translate well.”
“What’s this reason?”
“I wanted it to be a romantic gesture. The article won’t be published for another week. I was hoping we were together by then. We were making great headway. I knew we were close. When Angela pitched her idea, I did reject it. But then I thought about the publicity and I did want people to read it. That wasn’t my only reason though. I was hoping she would read the article after we were together and see how certain I was we would be together. I wanted her to see I was serious about being with her. I thought if she could see my confidence, she would be impressed. She would see I was determined to get back together and take it as a compliment.”
She winced, shaking her head. “Oh, Chase.”
“It would have worked if she didn’t see the article before it came out. I only needed another week and it would have been fine.”
“No, it wouldn’t have. Pull your head out of your ass. You have got to start seeing her as an equal. As a woman with a head on her shoulders and not someone you need to take care of. It’s disrespectful.”
“I’m not disrespectful,” I retorted.
“It is disrespectful for you to assume she can’t make up her own mind. She’s one of the smartest people I know. She’s independent and she knows her own mind.”
“I didn’t mean it to be an insult.”
“I know you didn’t mean it but that’s part of the problem,” she said gently. “You have got to start seeing her as someone you could consider as a partner and not someone you want to boss around.”
“I don’t boss her around.”
“Chase, you were literally her boss.”
I frowned. “But that was because she needed a job.”
“Don’t expect her to go along with eve
rything you decide is best because you said it. That’s arrogant and pretty rude. Try and put yourself in her shoes.”
“I never meant to be arrogant,” I said, feeling like total shit.
“I’m sure you didn’t, but you were. You do it with me all the time. I’m your sister and I have to put up with it. She doesn’t.”
“Thanks. So what you’re telling me is I completely fucked this up?”
“First of all, I would like to remind you of our little deal. The deal about neither of us seeing anyone while we worked together.”
“This is different.”
“Not really. Second, I think you need to let it go. You’re not ready for a relationship.”
“I am too!”
“Then stop acting like you are the only one in the relationship. For your sake, I hope you didn’t completely screw this up. I know you love her and while I’m not sure I really appreciate being used to get her back here, I get it. I know you are crazy about her and she’s really the only one you want.”
“Do you think I completely screwed it up?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t been able to talk to her. She probably thinks I’m your spy.”
“I’m sorry if I caused any problems with you two.”
“It’s fine. I’ll let her cool off and then reach out. I’m going to go. Pull your shit together and get your ass to work. Sitting in here and sulking isn’t going to get you back in her good graces. It’s not going to do your business any good either.”
“Thanks, but I have no interest in talking to anyone right now.”
She got up and walked to the door. “I’ll be back again if I don’t see your face down there soon.”
I knew she would be. That was both the benefit and drawback of having a sister who is also your twin. She would annoy me until I got my ass back to work, just like I did to her every time she went through a breakup. She owed me a few dozen pep talks.
I mulled over what she said. It was basically what Harper told me. I didn’t see myself as being bossy or overbearing, but clearly, I was not looking at myself with the same lens as they were. I was an idiot. I was so worried she would run away from me that I was caging her in. Harper was independent. She was smart, and I knew she was tenacious. I should have read the signs. Hell, she damn near slapped me upside the head with the information, but I was so blinded by my lust for her, I didn’t hear it.
I wanted to believe there was still a chance. Was there? Could I grovel my way back into her life? I certainly couldn’t do shit in my current condition. I needed to find a way. An apology wasn’t going to be enough. Damn, why did I feel like I was always trying to plan something big to get her attention? Maybe I was trying too hard. A relationship should not be this hard.
But I wanted her. I was willing to move mountains if I could get her back in my life. She was that important to me. I could take a step back from the heavy-handed thing. If I felt myself slipping, I would take a big old step back. I wouldn’t order dinner for her. I wouldn’t give her my opinion on things she didn’t ask for. It was going to be difficult, and I was going to have to watch every word, but I could do it.
What other choice did I have?
Chapter 59
Harper
I stood in front of the fountain that dominated the center of Tawny’s mall. It was very regal. There were marble benches around it, creating a very Grecian look. It was pretty, but I felt like it was a little underdone. With some potted plants, it could help soften the look. We could decorate it for the holidays. Adding some soft, trendy lighting could work as well. It would add a touch of class and make it look pretty.
I walked around the fountain before glancing down at my watch. I was stalling. I wasn’t really ready to make any proposals. I didn’t want to offer any ideas because I wasn’t entirely sure I was hired. She said I was, but I still didn’t have a real idea what my job was. I didn’t have a workspace or even an employee number. I hadn’t even signed paperwork.
I told myself Tawny was a little eccentric. She wasn’t like a normal boss, and I was looking forward to that, but I was feeling a little apprehensive about it all. I didn’t need a big contract and specific job duties, but a badge or a key or something that said I actually worked there would be a small comfort.
I talked with a couple of the store owners and they didn’t even remember me from the day before. It was a little disconcerting.
I cocked my head to the side, watching the water rain down, and got completely lost in thought when my vision was suddenly blocked. I blinked and took a step back when I focused on the familiar face standing just a little too close to me.
“Oliver,” I said.
“Good morning,” he cooed. “Did Chase give you the day off? Are you doing a little shopping or just eyeing the goods?”
Oh, Oliver. The man was hard to read. I didn’t know if he was creepy or just not my cup of tea.
He was ridiculously wealthy. He’d been born that way and was used to having the best of everything. He wasn’t used to hearing the word no either. He was arrogant and off-putting, but I didn’t think it was intentional. It was a character flaw. Not really a flaw, I supposed. It was just the way he was raised and the lifestyle he was accustomed to.
“I’m not shopping, and I don’t work for the resort anymore.”
He gasped, feigning shock. “Say it isn’t so.”
“It was only a temporary project,” I said, not wanting to get into the details.
“Does that mean you are ready to take me up on my offer?”
“I’m actually working here now,” I told him.
He popped out his bottom lip. “I offered you a very lucrative position with me. I would have cherished you.”
“I appreciate that. Truly, it is flattering but this job seemed to fit my skillset a little better.”
“How could you turn me down and take this menial job?”
“Because this is what I do,” I answered. “I’m a marketing expert. I’m not a collector. I would have no idea how to handle your collections. I would be doing you a disservice. I don’t know a Rembrandt from a Picasso.”
His job offer to be a curator of his expensive and extensive art collection was not what I did. I knew nothing about art, vases, and the many other antiquities he collected. His offer was sweet, but I wasn’t interested in the slightest.
“We both know it had nothing to do with handling my collections. Like I told you, I collect things I’m drawn to. I’m drawn to you. You would have made an excellent addition to my household.”
“So you said, but I’m not a collectible,” I said with a laugh. I wasn’t insulted by his continued reference to me being an object to be collected.
“You wound me.”
“I’m sorry,” I told him with a smile. “I’m sure you will find someone that satisfies what you are looking for.”
“Of course, I will, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t want you. You are an exquisite beauty. I’m not willing to give up so easily.”
I ignored the comment and changed the subject. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to do a little shopping. This place is one of the few places in the city that a man can find adequate attire. I’m in need of a few things and felt like stretching my legs a bit.”
“Oh, well, have a nice time. I’m sure you will find something here. I took some time to browse yesterday. There is a nice men’s department in that store.” I pointed in the direction of one of the larger stores in the mall. It catered to businessmen and women.
“I’ll be sure to look.”
“Good luck,” I said and thought the conversation was over.
He wasn’t going to let me off the hook that easily. He didn’t walk away like I hoped he would. “Since you broke my heart and rejected me, you owe me dinner,” he announced.
“Owe you dinner?” I repeated with surprise. “I don’t think I owe you anything.”
“Yes. Have dinner with me tonight. I won’t t
ake no for an answer.”
“I have plans tonight,” I lied.
“Cancel them. Trust me. You want to have dinner with me. No one is more important than I am.”
It was meant to be a joke. His humor was a little different than what I was used to. “I can’t do that. I appreciate the offer, but I am going to have to pass.”
I knew he was persistent. He wasn’t going to let me get off so easily. Chase called me tenacious, but I didn’t think he knew Oliver all that well. The man made me look like a softie compared to him. I could have the plague and he would insist I wear a hazmat suit and join him regardless of my illness. I needed a solid excuse. I wasn’t sure what that was, but I had to think fast.
Suddenly, Tawny appeared. She looked at Oliver and then me with a smile on her face. “Good morning, you two.”
“Tawny,” Oliver said in a familiar way.
Tawny gave him her usual air kiss before turning to look at me. “You’re here already.”
“Yes, I wasn’t sure what time you would be in,” I answered. I was still a little irritated by her total lack of structure. I needed some kind of guidelines. I didn’t need specifics, but I needed a general idea.
“How are you, hon?” Oliver asked.
At first, I thought he was talking to me. Then I realized he was talking to Tawny. I knew they were acquaintances but now I was getting the impression they were much closer.
“I’m doing great. What are you doing here? Come to scope out the latest in ladies’ fashion?”
“I’m just doing a little window shopping,” he answered while leering at me. “And trying to convince this one to have dinner with me.”
I forced a tight smile at being referred to as this one. “I’m sorry, but I’m very busy.”
“Not here,” Tawny quickly said. “I don’t want to get in the way of a budding romance.”
“No—” I started to correct her wrong assumption but was cut off by Oliver.
“You know, I saw her first,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve offered her a very lucrative position in my household.”
“Oh?” Tawny questioned.